As Pennsylvania prepares for the Nov. 3, 2026 general election, Action News 4 has compiled a concise guide to help residents vote confidently. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. across the Commonwealth.
Governor’s Race
Democratic incumbent Gov. Josh Shapiro will face Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity. Both candidates ran unopposed in their respective primaries. Since the primary, they have debated issues such as data‑center development, Medicaid coverage, and the state gas tax.
Shapiro criticized a recent Washington, D.C., bill that would cut Medicaid and SNAP funding for rural hospitals, calling it a tax cut for the wealthy. Garrity countered, noting that Medicaid spending is actually increasing this year.
Legislative Stakes
All 203 seats in the Pennsylvania House and half of the 50 Senate seats are up for election. Republicans currently hold a slim majority in the House, while they have a slight edge in the Senate. Democrats see four Republican‑held districts as potential pickup targets.
According to the Associated Press, Shapiro is investing heavily to keep both chambers under Democratic control and to flip four congressional seats. Success in swing counties such as Beaver, Luzerne, and Erie could help the Democrats reclaim working‑class voters who drifted away during the Trump era.
Allegheny County Ballot Question
County voters will decide whether council members should receive personal staff, district offices, and fringe benefits—including health and life insurance, pensions, and vehicle allowances. A “yes” vote would grant these benefits; a “no” vote would keep the current restrictions under the Home Rule Charter.
Voter Registration Numbers
As of Oct. 19, Pennsylvania has over 9 million registered voters. Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans 3.8 million to 3.6 million, with roughly 1.5 million listed as “other.”
In the 2024 presidential primaries, about 1.1 million Democratic and 953,000 Republican votes were cast. The 2022 U.S. Senate primaries saw roughly 1.3 million votes cast by each party.
Eligibility and Registration
To vote, you must be a U.S. citizen (or become one at least one month before the election), register at least 15 days before the election, reside in your voting district for at least 30 days, and be 18 years old on or before Election Day. Registration can be completed online using your current address.
In‑Person Voting Requirements
First‑time voters at a new polling place must present photo ID. Acceptable IDs include a Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID, any commonwealth agency ID, a U.S. passport, armed forces ID, student ID, or employee ID. Non‑photo IDs such as a voter registration card, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check are also accepted.
Mail‑In and Absentee Ballots
Mail‑in ballots must be received by the county election office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Voters who miss the deadline due to an emergency may still request a ballot, subject to local rules.
Polling‑Place Issues
If you encounter problems at the polls, call 1‑877‑VOTESPA (1‑877‑868‑3772). Report suspected violations, request assistance for disabilities, language support, or a provisional ballot if your eligibility is questioned.
The Associated Press contributed to this guide. For the latest updates, download the WTAE app or sign up for their email newsletters.
Original reporting: WTAE (Hearst) – local — read the source article.
